If you are over 35, this is the right time to give yourself the care you deserve. With perimenopause starting earlier these days, clarity, support, and practical lifestyle tools can make all the difference.

You will also receive complimentary body composition and bone density reports, giving you a clearer picture of your health. You will walk away with simple and effective strategies to manage weight, mood, and sleep, along with guidance from experts and the strength of a supportive community.

The National Commission for Women (NCW), in collaboration with the Maharashtra State Women Commission, successfully hosted the Shakti Samvad – Capacity Building Training Program for State Women Commissions (SWCs) on 22nd and 23rd August 2025 in Mumbai. The program brought together Chairpersons, Members, and senior officers from State Women Commissions across India to strengthen their institutional capacity, safeguard women’s rights, and advance gender equality.

Honoring Dr. Girish Lad & the MenoMind Initiative We are proud to share that Dr. Girish Lad, Founder & Chairman of the Rising India Research Foundation, was felicitated by Smt. Vijaya Tai Rahatkar, Chairperson of the NCW, for his remarkable contributions to women’s mental health and well-being. The MenoMind initiative is a comprehensive evidence-based training program on menopause and mental health and aims to empower women by addressing the psychological, emotional, and social challenges faced during perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. Through interactive learning modules, expert-led sessions, and guided counseling, MenoMind provides women with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate this important life stage with confidence and dignity.

We are delighted to invite you to a momentous occasion— the 2nd Anniversary Celebration of the Centre for Psycho-Oncology and the C Positive Awards ceremony, jointly organized by the Texas School of Mental Health and the Rising India Research Foundation.

This celebration is a tribute to two years of unwavering dedication to integrating psycho-social care into cancer treatment, and to honoring individuals who have made remarkable contributions to mental health and cancer care.

Join us as we reflect on this impactful journey and recognize stories of strength, compassion, and resilience through the C Positive Awards.

The National Commission for Women, in collaboration with the Rising India Research Foundation, proudly presents the world's first nationwide training, awareness, and capacity-building Program to empower women by breaking the silence around Menopause and Mental Health.

Representing Texas School of Mental Health, Dr. Tahreen Syed (Director & Centre Head – Centre for Psycho-Oncology) and Ms. Alafiya Vora had the privilege of attending the prestigious Asia Pacific Psycho-Oncology Network (APPON-7) Conference hosted by the renowned Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar, Chennai. The conference brought together leading psycho-oncology professionals, researchers, clinicians, and mental health experts from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss advancements in psychosocial cancer care and patient support.

During the conference, the Texas School of Mental Health representatives participated in the insightful workshop “Communication Matters: Enhancing Conversations in Cancer Care”, organized by the Department of Psycho-Oncology and RCTC, Cancer Institute (WIA). The workshop highlighted the critical role of effective communication in delivering compassionate, patient-centred, and holistic cancer care while offering valuable perspectives from global experts in the field.

A special highlight of the conference was the opportunity to reconnect with Dr. Wendy Lam, President of the International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS) and a globally respected leader in psycho-oncology. On behalf of Texas School of Mental Health and Dr. Girish Lad, Ms. Alafiya Vora had the honour of presenting Dr. Wendy Lam with a copy of the book “Six Phases of Psycho-Oncology”, authored by Dr. Girish Lad. The book reflects pioneering insights and practical approaches in psycho-oncology, underscoring a shared commitment to advancing integrated and holistic cancer care.

The conference provided an invaluable platform for meaningful discussions, knowledge exchange, and collaboration with international thought leaders. Both representatives were also honoured to receive certificates of participation from Dr. Seema Rao and Ms. Michelle Normen, recognizing their active engagement and contribution to the event.

Texas School of Mental Health extends its sincere gratitude to Dr. Girish Lad for his continued vision and support in creating opportunities for international collaboration and professional development in psycho-oncology. The learnings and connections established at APPON-7 will further strengthen the institution’s commitment to advancing psycho-oncology services, education, research, and psychosocial support for individuals and families affected by cancer.

On the occasion of World Mental Health Day and the 11th Foundation Day of the Rising India Research Foundation, a special session was conducted for students of Bachelor's and Master's of Social Work from Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth. The session, themed "Let's Prioritize Mental Well-Being," aimed to raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by social workers and provide them with practical strategies to manage their own well-being.

Dr. Tahreen Syed, Director of the Rising India Research Foundation and a distinguished psycho-oncologist, led the session by discussing how social workers, who are constantly engaging with communities to provide support, often face immense stress that can impact their overall well-being.

Alisha Crasto, a clinical psychologist, contributed by discussing barriers to support and teaching effective self-care strategies.